Thinking of Adopting a Pig? Don't!

The most important piece of advice for anyone considering adopting a pig.

The most important piece of advice I can give anyone before they adopt a pig is: Don't.  Don't get one.  And I don't mean that you shouldn't add the joy of having pigs in your life.  I just mean, don't adopt only one.  Adopt two.  This is the best advice anyone could give in regards to living with pigs.  Sure, there may be a few exceptions where this advice doesn't work out perfectly.  But, for the most part, many of the issues that go along with living with pigs can be alleviated if not eliminated by simply adopting a pair of piggy pals.

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There are a lot of reasons why bringing home two pigs  might be a great option.  For one, pigs love to challenge authority and see how far they can push those around them.  It will still be necessary to make sure you don't let your pigs think they are at the top of your home hierarchy.  But, having another pig present means that when one pig gets bossy or pushy, there is always another pig nearby to give it back as good as it is being given.  And pigs are very social animals.  So, they will quickly learn that their aggression will not go unchecked.  Of course, this doesn't mean you just get to standby and do nothing.  But, it will help keep any bullying on the part of one pig from getting out of hand.   

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​Another great reason to adopt two is because this will mean that your pig always has a friend.  As much as I love cuddling with our pigs and spending time with them, and much of my day is spent with our pigs, the fact remains, pigs love constant company.  Living with three pigs, our girls always have someone to cuddle with or hangout with.  They are still always willing to welcome any of my human family into their snuggle-fests.  And I only have to lay down near them to have the entire pig family immediately swarm around me fighting for the closest position.  So, you don't have to worry that having more than one pig will mean that you become less popular or less loved.  Pigs have plenty of affection to go around.  On the other hand, bored pigs have plenty of frustration and angst to take out on furniture, walls, floors and cabinets.  So, do yourself and your home the favor of making sure your pig always has a pal.

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​Also, pigs speak pig.  After living with pigs, you'll start to understand some pig language.  And your pig will understand some of your language.  But, pigs will truly be able to speak with each other and this is important.  I know the scientific community has been reluctant to refer to animals as having true languages.  Yet, after living with a mother and her daughter pig and watching them communicate with each other face to face and even hearing them communicate across the house, it is quite obvious that pigs have a language that they use to say a great many things to each other.  Now imagine you were taken to a foreign country where you could never fully speak the language of anyone around you?  This would be extremely frustrating.  I can't help but feel that pigs desire to be able to speak to someone that understands them fully from time to time.   Having two pigs will provide your pig with the mental stimulation of being able to have piggy conversations.  They may not discuss Immanuel Kant's 'Critique of Practical Reason'… but most humans aren't doing that either.  Whatever they are saying, to them it is important enough to be said, and they will appreciate having someone that can understand what they mean.

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​And possibly the best reason to get two pigs… one is never enough.  Pigs are awesome!  I've never regretted having three pigs living with us in our home.  They are my three best friends.    They are family.  Every day is better because they are around.  When we had two, it was great.  Now that we have three, it is even better.  If you are a pig person, and feel that your life is destined to have a pig as part of your family, I highly recommend you start with two.  And, I can't say it enough: Adopt, don't shop!  So many pigs need homes because people think that buying a piglet will be fun and cute without thinking things through and really considering if they are ready for the 20 year commitment and responsibility of adding a pig family member.  Plus, no mother pig wants to be separated from her babies.   So, don't be the reason a baby is taken from his or her mother.  Be the reason a pair of rescue pigs get to celebrate having a forever home!